Brave Fine Art has dated this piece to the 17th Century.
During the extravagant reign of the ‘Sun King’, courtiers were expected to invest significantly in their appearance (often to the point of bankruptcy) to demonstrate their abundant wealth.
Versailles was the European capital of opulence and the ultimate symbol of absolute power - strict fashion rules needed to be adhered to regardless of comfort or practicality.
The young lady's hair is styled accordingly into a ‘fontange coiffure’, whereby the front of the hair is curled and piled high above the forehead. On occasion, this required a wire framework to support it.
Stylistically, the nuances of the handling resemble the works of French court painter Pierre Gobert (1662-1744) who produced numerous portraits of leading figures during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. His depiction of Élisabeth Charlotte d'Orléans (1676-1744) is interesting to compare. Also, his later portrait of Louise-Elisabeth de Bourbon-Condé, Princess of Conti (1699-1775).
In 2008, this piece was sold via Christie’s in Amsterdam and attributed to an artist working in the circle of Jacob Ferdinand Voet (1639-1689).
Held within a later gilt frame with scrolling foliate and shell corners, cartouches at the centres, and scrolling strapwork.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 30” x 35” / 76cm x 89cm
Year of creation: c. 1695
Provenance: European Noble and Private Collections, Christie’s, Amsterdam, 25 June 2008, lot 548 / Private collection, Holland.
Condition: Cleaned. Canvas relined. Areas of fine and settled craquelure, as you would expect. The paint layer is stable. Areas of previous professional restoration. Frame in good condition with minor age-related wear.
Our reference: BRV2031
Brave Fine Art has dated this piece to the 17th Century.
Exquisite antique paintings that capture the imagination.
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Pierre Gobert (Circle), Portrait of a Lady - Antique Oil Painting
